Tragedy as Gunman opens fire on School Children in Minneapolis

A tragic incident occurred in Minneapolis on Wednesday when a gunman opened fire on school children during a church service, killing two pupils and injuring 17 others, according to police.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara revealed that the shooter, a man in his early twenties, stormed the Annunciation Church as dozens of students gathered for Mass marking their first week back to school.

The church is located beside an affiliated school in the southern part of the city.

“Two young children, ages eight and 10, were killed where they sat in the pews,” O’Hara said, adding that 14 of the 17 injured were children, with two victims in critical condition.

The assailant, who was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, later took his own life in the church parking lot.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed shock on X, saying he was “praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”

Live footage captured the chaotic aftermath, showing terrified parents rushing to retrieve their children as emergency responders secured the area.

“This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and worshippers.

The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” O’Hara said. He added that the entire community was left traumatized.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack, stressing that children should be safe in schools and places of worship.

“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school,” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump also reacted, confirming he had been briefed and noting that the FBI was on the ground.

“The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved,” he wrote on Truth Social.

The attack adds to the long and tragic list of school shootings in the United States, where gun violence remains a persistent and divisive national issue.